Jewish Dems rally troops with Robertson nod

November 8, 2007 10:00am

A Jewish Democratic group used Pat Robertson’s endorsement of Rudy Giuliani’s presidential bid to rally its followers.

The televangelist and one-time presidential candidate surprised Republicans on Wednesday by endorsing the former New York mayor, who is known for his support of some forms of abortion and gay rights. Robertson said Giuliani’s national security credentials overrode differences over social issues.

In a message to followers, the National Jewish Democratic Council said the endorsement was a caution to Jewish voters who might see Giuliani as a moderate. The council’s message recalled some of Robertson’s controversial statements, including his belief that Ariel Sharon’s stroke was divine retribution for the former Israeli prime minister’s Gaza Strip withdrawal, and his comparison of American liberals to Nazis.

“It’s imperative that all of us start reminding our friends and neighbors today that a vote for Giuliani is a vote for Pat Robertson and the narrow vision of the America he represents,” the council’s statement said. “We’ve already seen how the Bush administration has paid back the religious right.”